Jude intended to write a letter to the church about the salvation all Christians share in. But the Spirit of Christ vetoed his plan. An emergency situation called for a letter of a very different sort (Jude 1:1-4).
It felt like the worst day in their lives. Cleopas and his companion walked along the road to Emmaus, discussing the cross and looking sad. And then Jesus himself joined the two disciples (Luke 24:13-35)
Solomon assumed the throne of Israel when he was young and inexperienced. When he asked God for wisdom, the Lord abundantly blessed him with insight. But the king didn’t apply his great understanding to his own personal life.
The Philippian church seems to have been plagued by selfishness and pride. Paul addressed the issue by reminding the congregation of Christ’s humble mindset (Phil. 2:5-11).
In ancient Israel there were six cities of refuge (Josh. 20:7-8). If a man accidentally killed his neighbor, he could escape to one of these places and find protection. These cities make us think of the church.
A loving congregation is warm and welcoming. No doubt, this is one reason why the Bible describes the church in family terms. God’s people have an open door and an open heart (Col. 3:11-14).
Paul was in a Roman dungeon. Soon he would be executed. So he wrote a letter to his young friend Timothy and encouraged him to remain strong in spite of the persecution threatening the church. In the postscript of that letter, Paul made his final request.
Many people feel like outsiders watching a party through the window. They don’t have pleasant childhood memories. They don’t like their jobs. And they don’t feel loved by their own spouses. Does anyone really care?
Paul was a prisoner in Rome. On death row he wrote a final letter to Timothy, his young friend and coworker. And what was his word of encouragement? “Do the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5).
Have you ever yearned to belong to a good family? Jesus has some great news for you. His church is inclusive. Whoever does the will of the heavenly Father is his brother, sister, or mother (Matt. 12:46-50).